News Stories from January 2025
Climate Change Superfund Act: Great news from the UMUNY Creation Justice Team
January 9, 2025 / By UNY Creation Care / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Governor Kathy Hochel has signed the Climate Change Superfund Act. This Act requires the largest gas and oil companies who do business in New York State to pay the State $25 billion over ten years, $3 billion each year. The money will be used to help municipalities pay for the damage caused by the climate crisis. In addition, the Act will require at least 35% of the monies received be directed to protecting …more
Conference Office closed on January 9, 2025
January 9, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Due to the inclement weather, the Conference Office in Liverpool is closed today, January 9. It is scheduled to reopen on Friday, January 10. …more
Moving forward from the Laity Session to empower churches and communities
January 7, 2025 / By Jessica White, Conference Lay Leader / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Hello to the United Methodists of Upper New York Laity (and Clergy), I wanted to thank all the laity who participated in the Laity Session on May 30, 2024, in Syracuse, NY. We used that time to discuss the hopes, dreams, and challenges faced by various districts within our conference. We found that there is a lot of commonality in the issues we are experiencing. It was a blessing to have everyone …more
Rev. Deb Coatsworth joins Asbury Retreat Center as Assistant Director
January 7, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Deb Coatsworth is the new Assistant Director at Asbury Retreat Center. She is a Deacon who formerly served the Elma UMC. After being a member since 1994, Rev. Coatsworth began her ministry as Christian Education Director at Elma UMC in 2006. She was ordained in 2023 in the Upper New York Annual Conference. She is leaving her current role as Director of Christian Education/Youth Ministries and Spiritual Care Ministry. Highlights …more
Providing hope and fun to Alzheimer and Dementia patients and caregivers
January 6, 2025 / By LeAnn Childs, First United Methodist Church of Westfield
Nearly seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this number is rapidly increasing and is expected to jump to 13 million by 2050. First United Methodist Church of Westfield is able to provide hope to both Alzheimer and Dementia patients. The church has the unique opportunity to offer the only free Respite/Social program for individuals with Dementia and early stages …more
2025 Casowasco Sabbath
January 6, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was shared with United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, January 6, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, Rev. Bill Mudge, and Rev. Dr. Pam Harris. Dear siblings in Christ, Today, we share with you an important update regarding Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. Starting this month, all programming and hosting at Casowasco …more
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: Terrorist attack in New Orleans
January 1, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Wedneday, January 1, 2025 in response to the terrorist attack in New Orleans. “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:26 Dear Siblings in Christ, Grace and peace from Jesus Christ be with you. …more